Tom Mankiewicz, Hollywood's Writer of 007 Movies, Dies at 68

Celebrated Hollywood screenwriter Tom Mankiewicz has died at the age of 68. The writer, best known for his work on a string of 007 movies, passed away at his home in Los Angeles on Friday (30Jul10) after a brief illness.

Photo: Tom Mankiewicz, Hollywood's Writer of 007 Movies, Dies at 68

Mankiewicz began his career working in television and became known for helping create successful musical show Nancy Sinatra: Movin' with Nancy in 1967, Contactmusic.com reports.

Mankiewicz was best known as a Hollywood screenwriter, consultant, and director. He worked on numerous of the James Bond films, including Diamonds Are Forever, Live and Let Die, The Man With the Golden Gun, The Spy Who Loved Me, and Moonraker. He also worked on hit television series Hart to Hart and directed the 1987 movie Dragnet.

Most of his family was involved in Hollywood, notably his father, the director and screenwriter Joseph L. Mankiewicz and his uncle, writer Herman J. Mankiewicz, according to TheaterMania.com.